Two Peacekeepers Receive UN's Highest Courage Award
- 04 June 2026
- International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Ukrainian peacekeeper Sergii Prykhodko and Uruguayan peacekeeper Sergeant Matias Reyes are honoured with the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage during the International Day of UN Peacekeepers commemorations.
One of the United Nations' most prestigious awards, the medal recognizes extraordinary bravery in the service of peace.
Prykhodko lost his life during a high-risk evacuation mission in South Sudan in 2026, while Reyes repeatedly came under heavy fire to rescue wounded soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saving lives.
Their actions reflect the courage, dedication and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in conflict zones around the world.